A US soldier has been sentenced to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony for stealing $113 from his girlfriend and threatening to kill her. Gordon Black, a 34-year-old staff sergeant, was detained in Vladivostok after an argument with Alexandra Vashchuk, whom he met in South Korea.
The verdict
Judge Yelena Stepankova of Vladivostok’s Pervomaisky District Court found Black guilty of theft and threats. Black, who pleaded not guilty to the threats but admitted partial guilt for the theft, was sentenced to three years and nine months and ordered to repay the stolen amount. His defense plans to appeal the verdict.
Background and legal proceedings
Black, who left the Eighth Army in South Korea for a supposed transfer to Fort Cavazos, Texas, diverted to China and Russia to meet Vashchuk. His actions violated Pentagon rules against unauthorized travel to these countries. Prosecutors sought a four-year, eight-month sentence, while the defense sought acquittal. Vashchuk did not attend the court session.
Broader context
Black’s sentencing comes amid heightened tensions, with at least a dozen American citizens held in Russian jails, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, facing espionage charges. The US State Department advises against all travel to Russia, citing maximum danger levels.